BALTIMORE and CHICAGO, May 11, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Maryland Jockey Club announced today Vivid Seats, the largest independent online ticket marketplace, is for the third consecutive year the Official Ticket Reseller of the Preakness Stakes. The middle jewel of racing's storied Triple Crown, this year marks the 142nd year of the "Run for the Black-eyed Susans." The event is set for Saturday, May 20 at Pimlico Race Course. Tickets are available now at www.vividseats.com/preakness.

This year's partnership with Vivid Seat includes several elements designed to enhance the ticket-buying experience for fans of the legendary event, including:

The option to shop for, select and purchase tickets from Vivid Seats from a link located on the "Tickets" drop-down menu on the official Preakness website homepage.

A message redirecting fans to Vivid Seats from the official Preakness website when the most popular sections are sold out on the primary race ticketing engine.

Premium seat-rights protection enabling premium seat customers to resell their Preakness tickets on VividSeats.com without losing their rights to purchase the same tickets in 2018.

"We are very happy to partner with Vivid Seats for the third consecutive year at the historic Preakness Stakes," said Sal Sinatra, President and General Manager of the Maryland Jockey Club. "Vivid Seats continues to engage fans of sports and entertainment by being a leader in customer service for the greatest live events. The Maryland Jockey Club and Vivid Seats are excited to bring fans an incredible entertainment and sports experience come Saturday, May 20 at the Preakness."

"Attending a world-class sporting event like the Preakness Stakes is something fans will never forget," said Eric Vassilatos, co-founder of Chicago-based Vivid Seats. "It is an honor to work with the Maryland Jockey Club for the third consecutive year to offer a safe and convenient ticket buying and selling experience for Preakness fans interested in being part of this time-honored event."

As with all tickets purchased from Vivid Seats, Preakness tickets will be covered by the company's 100% Buyer Guarantee. For the Preakness, the Vivid Seats-Maryland Jockey Club partnership has made possible an added service for fans. A dedicated team of Vivid Seats customer support representatives will be on-site on race day to deliver "will call" tickets and assist with any other customer needs.

ABOUT PIMLICO RACE COURSEHistoric Pimlico Race Course, home of the Preakness® Stakes, the middle jewel in horse racing's famed Triple Crown, first opened its doors on October 25, 1870, and is the second oldest racetrack in the United States. Pimlico has played host to racing icons and Baltimoreans have seen the likes of legendary horses such as Man o' War, Seabiscuit, Secretariat, Affirmed and Cigar thunder down the stretch in thrilling and memorable competition. For more information on Pimlico, visit www.pimlico.com. Pimlico Race Course is a Stronach Group company, North America's leading Thoroughbred racetrack owner/operator. The Stronach Group racetracks include Santa Anita Park, Gulfstream Park & Casino, Golden Gate Fields, Portland Meadows, Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course, home of the world-famous Preakness. The company owns and operates the Palm Meadows Training Center in Florida and is one of North America's top race horse breeders through its award-winning Adena Springs operation. The Stronach Group is one of the world's largest suppliers of pari-mutuel wagering systems, technologies and services. Its companies include AmTote, a global leader in wagering technology; Xpressbet, an Internet and telephone account wagering service; and Monarch Content Management, which acts as a simulcast purchase and sales agent of horseracing content for numerous North American racetracks and wagering outlets. The Stronach Group is also a leading producer of social media content for the horseracing industry.

ABOUT VIVID SEATSVivid Seats is the largest independent secondary marketplace for tickets to live sports, concert and theater events. Founded in 2001, the Chicago-based company offers industry-leading affordability across one of the widest selections of premium tickets and event packages. Vivid Seats supports all confirmed orders with a 100% Buyer Guarantee and an in-house customer service team to ensure the safest and most convenient purchase experience. Fans that want to sit closer and see more of their favorite live events can order directly on vividseats.com or by phone at 866.848.8499.Follow Vivid Seats on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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